Agencies
Services
Vector Control & Surveillance
Vectors are insects, ticks, rats, mice, birds and other animals that transmit disease-producing organisms to humans. To prevent the human disease and discomfort caused by these vectors, IDPH provides technical information to local health departments, governments, mosquito abatement programs and the public on methods to monitor and control them. IDPH also awards annual grants to local health departments to conduct vector surveillance and control programs. IDPH staff identifies about 200 specimens of insects and other pests each year. They also conduct surveys for mosquitoes, flies and ticks to detect the presence and significance of potential disease vectors associated with the improper storage, handling and disposal of tires, improper waste disposal and natural conditions. About 250 wild birds are collected each year and tested for West Nile virus.
Mosquitoes and Mosquito-borne Diseases
Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases
Other Potential Disease Vectors / Pests That Cause Injury
- Bats and Bat Exclusion
- Bed Bugs - (En Español)
- Bees and Wasps
- Bird Exclusion and Dispersal
- Biting Flies
- Black Flies ("Buffalo Gnats")
- Brown Recluse and Black Widow Spiders
- Cockroaches
- Fleas
- Head Lice
- House Flies and Other Filth Flies
- House Mouse Prevention and Control - (En Español)
- Mites Affecting Humans
- Municipal Rodent Management
- Rat Prevention and Control - (En Español)
- Spiders